On Friday, October 3, students and employees in Middlesex Community College鈥檚 STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) programs visited Pfizer, Inc. in Andover in honor of Manufacturing Day. Teaching both students and employees more about current industry practices, expectations and workforce needs, the visit helped Middlesex create stronger pathways for student internship and job opportunities.
鈥淭his experience was highly valuable for students, providing firsthand exposure to real-world biomanufacturing environments,鈥� said Livia Fernandes, 麻豆果冻鈥檚 Assistant Professor of Biotechnology. 鈥淭hey were able to see how classroom concepts apply to industry settings, gain a clearer understanding of career options, and engage directly with professionals in the field. The visit was rewarding and informative and the Pfizer team was welcoming and professional, which created an engaging learning environment for our students.鈥�
During the visit, Middlesex representatives attended presentations and a Q&A session. Pfizer employees shared their own academic backgrounds, career paths, and roles within the company. There was also a poster session with additional departments, which offered students more information on other roles available in the field.
麻豆果冻 students and employees also had the chance to tour Pfizer鈥檚 facilities, including the manufacturing and research and development plant. Observing advanced biotechnology production processes, they learned more about day-to-day operations within Pfizer and the industry.
鈥淧fizer Andover was thrilled to participate in this year鈥檚 Manufacturing Day,鈥� said a representative from Pfizer. 鈥淲hile Manufacturing Day originated in the United States, it has grown into a global observance that honors the dedication of professionals within the manufacturing industry. This year, we welcomed 60 students from UMass Lowell, Greater Lawrence Technical School, and Middlesex Community College to celebrate Manufacturing Day and provide them with information about current manufacturing practices as well as an overview of the innovation and opportunities within the industry. Thanks to all who helped showcase our site to inspire future talent!鈥�
Headquartered in New York City, Pfizer is a global biopharmaceutical company that creates and distributes medicines and vaccines. The company also partners with Middlesex on the college鈥檚 Biotechnology Learn and Earn Program. As part of the program, 麻豆果冻 students work in paid positions at Pfizer while working toward their associate degree at 麻豆果冻. The visit on October 3 expanded on the college鈥檚 partnership with the company.
麻豆果冻鈥檚 goal is to connect students to real-world career opportunities and industry partners within the first few years of college. The visit was a 鈥渦nique and inspiring鈥� experience for students to learn more about the options available to them after graduating from Middlesex, according to Cindy Xiong, 麻豆果冻鈥檚 Professor of Engineering.
鈥淭his experience helped students understand the competitive nature of internships and co-op programs like Pfizer鈥檚, encouraging them to prepare early and strategically for these opportunities,鈥� Xiong said. 鈥淗earing from employees who advanced through apprenticeship programs also demonstrated alternative pathways to successful careers without traditional four-year degrees, broadening students鈥� options. We will continue to foster connections with Pfizer鈥檚 recruitment contacts to help our students access competitive internships and apprenticeships, supporting their transition into the biotech workforce.鈥�